Kaposi's sarcoma

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This is a type of cancer that causes red or violet lesions under the skin, in membranes, lymph nodes and other organs.

It is caused by a herpes viral infection called HHV-8 in people with a weak immune system (HIV/AIDS, certain drugs, etc.).

It is characterised by one or more lesions on the legs and feet, which grow slowly and cause painful inflammation. Later, these spread to the stomach, bowels, lungs and lymph nodes, causing bleeding.

Diagnosis is reached through the collection of clinical history and physical examination. Once these lesions have been observed, a biopsy should be performed and their spread through the body should be studied.

Radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy may be used to treat lesions that have spread, depending on the type of sarcoma, the health status of the patient and whether or not relapses have occurred.

Bibliographic references
  1. Jerome E Groopman, MD. AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis. UPTODate. Aug 17, 2016.
  2. Susan E Krown, MD. Jasmeet Chadha Singh, MD. Classic Kaposi sarcoma: Clinical features, staging, diagnosis, and treatment. UpToDate. jul 10, 2014.
  3. Schwartz RA. Kaposi's sarcoma: an update. J Surg Oncol 2004; 87:146.
  4. Hiatt KM, Nelson AM, Lichy JH, Fanburg-Smith JC. Classic Kaposi Sarcoma in the United States over the last two decades: a clinicopathologic and molecular study of 438 non-HIV-related Kaposi Sarcoma patients with comparison to HIV-related Kaposi Sarcoma. Mod Pathol 2008; 21:572.
  5. Fauci AS, Lane HC. Enfermedad por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana: sida y trastornos relacionados. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19º Edición: 1242, 1269-1270
Author
Dr. Sara Vitoria
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Skin with reddish or reddish-blue, raised patches


    Blotches on the roof of the mouth


    Skin with long blotches


    Leg, ankle and/or foot skin lesions


    Raised reddish-blue skin lesions